Leslie LeRoy Braithwaite

Leslie LeRoy Braithwaite was born February 24, 1942, in Ely, NV to Lawrence and Neva Norma Butcher Braithwaite.  He was the youngest son in a family of 6 brothers and 7 sisters.  He married Peggy Smith, later divorced.  His daughter Ronda Kay Braithwaite was born from his second marriage to Kay Holladay, later divorced.  He married Vivian Kay Webb in October 1974, although later divorced, together Les and Vivian raised their five girls; Ronda Kay Braithwaite, Ronda Kayleen (Steve) Myer, Jodie (Clay) Erickson, Rebecca (Adam) Paulson, and Leslee Braithwaite (Bob) Smith.

Les was known as ‘Short’ to many of his closest friends and was adored as Uncle Les by many nieces and nephews.  He had 18 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Larry, Bud, Bob and half brothers Jack and Ray, sister Joyce and half sister Gwen.

Les loved the outdoors.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping.  He admired the beauty in every day things but especially loved the mountains and was always impressed by the wonders of nature.  As a young man, he enjoyed rounding up horses and breaking them. He loved horseback riding and passed this passion on to many of his children and grandchildren.

Les was known for his generosity and compassion for the elderly and less fortunate. He was always willing to offer help to others and lend a hand on any project.  He was a complex man who chose to live a simple life that was often difficult for others to understand.  He was creative, crafty and talented.  He was a mason (if you look, you may find a quarter, his trademark, in his masonry work), carpenter, roofer, concrete finisher, horseman, father, brother, uncle, friend and devoted son.

Les had a wonderful sense of adventure and was always up for a fun time.  He was known as a jokester, tease and storyteller.  He had his girls convinced for years that his surgical scar was the result of wound from a knife fight (you should have seen the other guy) and lost Indian tribes lived in the mountains near our home. If you were quiet and studied the mountain side, you might spot a smoke signal or a trail left by their ponies.  He loved children and they were drawn to him.  At his best he was cheerful, optimistic, funny and warm. He was incredibly charming and could win you over with his wry grin and clear blue eyes. He was known to whistle and sing often.

He was a defender of and friend to those in need.  He loved his family.  He and Viv raised their girls to be hardworking, kind, respectful, mindful of others, tidy and helpful.  He was proud of our accomplishments, no matter how small and we will forever be his girls.  He instilled in us the true meaning of family.

Survived by daughters, brother Stan, sisters Norma, Alice, Margie, Faye, Connie and Judy.  Friends and family are invited to join a celebration of life, Saturday, February 19^th from 1- 4pm at the Webster Center, 8952 West Main Street, Magna, UT 84044. Please come as you are and share a story or a laugh in honor of his memory.

The family would like to express our appreciation to S & S Roofing for their compassion, assistance and friendship.